Advanced Classes
Over the years there has been a steady increase in bilingual students attending our program. Many of these students are returnees having been born and/or educated in an English speaking country. They are now living in Japan and their parents want them to continue learning English in a program such as ours. Others were born in Japan and have received English schooling or may have one or both parents who speak English. We expect that there will be a continuing demand from parents for an English program structured to meet the specific needs of bilingual children.
While returnee or native students already speak English, our bilingual program aims to strengthen and develop their literacy skills. We are currently using the Houghton Mifflin Reading Series developed for native English speaking children. It is currently used in 80% of the elementary schools in California and in numerous public schools across North America. The texts use a wide range of stories to teach phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing and critical thinking.
Along with a native English speaking teacher, each class has 2-3 English speaking student staff who accompany them throughout the day. There is the clear expectation that as bilingual students, they will communicate with each other in English throughout the day.
For more information, please contact the Educational Director, Mike Bassett, through the Special Programs Office on 072-727-5060.